DE2111791A1 - Final record for systems for current account assignment of credit accounts or the like. - Google Patents

Description

46Γ! Erne, ^{MOi MUnehen Μ} ·

19 Frelligiath Street _η , _. , _ _ Q JJ ο - J, - Ei.enacher Strasse 17 P.O. Box 1 «D I P I. - 1 Π g. Kc Π. D β Π Γ Ml.-Anw. leliler

PaL-Anw. Herrmann-Trontopohl Dipl.-PSlYS «EdUSrCi BGtZidl ¹ Telephone: 398011

Dipl.-PSlYS «EdUSrCi BGtZidl

emspre he ■■ ^ _qu DlpWng.- W. Herrmann-Trentepohl ³⁹⁸⁰¹³

SSS = SS ' ' PATENT AGENT

Telex 08 229 85J.

~~ l *. Bank accounts:

2 Λ ΛYA t ^ Λ A Bayrische Vereinsbank Munich 952287

I Il / ö I Dresdner Bank AG Herne 202 «6 Postal check account Dortmund 55868

L J

^Ref: - κι υ2 ο 5 ^ B / Pa Please indicate in the answer Please send a letter to:

Munich

üATä üÄRü- CORPORATION Minneapolis ^ Siinnesota, U.S.A.

Final record for systems suin current accounts of credit accounts

or the like

The invention relates to storage and termination records for data data retrieval systems for transactions, in particular on Credit accounts.

Systems are already known in which an end sentence at the cash desk, d. H. at the point of sale in small or Retail stores are provided, with the help of which the cashier can check the credit of someone who is the customer transferring a purchase to his credit account. In the known institutions, the account number of the Customers and the sale price by hand by the cashier. entered in the final record. The sentence is to an adjacent one .Central storage connected to a computer, which responds to the data entered by the cashier and stored information relating to the status of the

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desired account and thus the comparison of these Information allowed with the newly entered data. The purpose of these systems is to provide the cashier with the status of the Account of the buyer who is seeking credit bring before the actual transaction is carried out will. The cashier is then able to decide whether the credit will be granted to cover the new purchase can or must be rejected.

The cost of an additional rate in the known systems are so large that the installation of an end record at each cash register in gross retail stores is excluded. Of the The cashier who is at a cash register that does not have a final record must be the cashier at the next cash register Call with end sentence, to check the buyer's credit too before the credit transaction can take place. The result is a loss of manpower and a reduction in the speed at which the credit check is performed can be carried out compared to a system in which a binding record is provided at each cash register.

Another problem encountered with the known systems |: Is it true that the computer has to be up to date before the cashier can enter the data relating to the transaction at the end of the sentence. Otherwise it would be that Message to the computer incomplete and would not get the correct answer. This means that the Cashier has to manually enter data at the expense of valuable computer time and that communication time with others End records are lost waiting for messages to be sent to the computer.

Another difficulty with the known credit application systems lies in the fact that many make it necessary

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dafj the cashier a large number of encrypted Must decipher data that will come to him in response to a request in order to be able to determine how he will handle the transaction has to handle. Such a requirement presupposes that the cashier has sufficient experience to handle a possibly relatively complex message to be able to decipher it fairly quickly. Otherwise the customer will be left with a considerable time delay debited in a credit transaction.

In order to make a written record of a credit card transaction, it is common to place an assistant printer at the till. The auxiliary printer is completely different from the sentence itself and is only used to transfer the punched characters written on the credit card to a receipt. The cashier then makes the necessary entries on the invoice receipt by hand for the buyer to countersign. In this way, however, the cashier has to carry out two separate, but related operations, namely first of all to introduce the message data into an information retrieval system, and then to introduce at least some of this data in printed form. The undesirable duplication of work can lead to dissatisfaction of the cashier and delays in time for the buyer.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a final record for systems for credit account inquiries and for current account assignment of such credit accounts, through the the various disadvantages of the known end sentences explained above are avoided.

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O £ M £ f

In describing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it may be appropriate to use an input / output device at a station as To refer to "final sentence" which is not the central station ^. Since systems according to the invention for the most diverse Corporations such as sales organizations, service companies, and credit investigation agencies are suitable, the particular installation ■ Place of the sentence in the following as "! 'era stat ion" denotes-P net, regardless of whether they are the sales point, the service point, a credit account counter or another Point is. For the same reason, the person who operates the end sentence at a Pernstation is hereinafter referred to as "Operator" denotes, although this person of course also has additional punctures, for example as Salesperson, Cashier, Service Representative, Credit Manager, etc. May have.

Briefly summarized has a system for recording, retrieving and handling data on credit accounts at Occurrence of credit tranions in multiple terminations. Everyone End set is at a remote station relative to a central one Data processing station arranged. The input data relating to a credit transaction are received from Hand fed into an Endsefcz, leaving a query message for the transfer to the data processing system arises. A response to this query message is received from the data processing system, with the end block provides a corresponding output. In particular, each set is provided with a visual indicator provided that the content of the answer and in tlber a mood with this is excited to the operator to be fully informed as to how he relates to the

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Proceed with the liredit transaction on which its request is based target. Each clause is also preferably "with means for generating a complete transaction.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention are the final records for storing the data fed in by the operator before the transmission of the Data actuated on the data processing machine. At the Receipt of all required to produce a query Data, a signal is generated within the end block. This signal directs the attempt to pick up an empty one Connection channel between the end sentence and the central one Data processing system. If the attempt is successful, then a second signal is sent from the data processing system recorded via the requested connection channel. The first signal is so long that it is still present, when the second signal is picked up and the coincidence of these two signals at the end of the transmission the query. This state of simultaneity is important for two reasons. First of all, it can be assumed that no transfer of the final sentence takes place if any message data remains fed into it regardless of the receipt of a signal from the data processing system. Second, this state prevents the communication data from flowing out, if no connection channel is available. The second Case Is particularly important when the data storage device is being read destructively. In addition, must Enter the message data manually in both centers before the data processing system works. In order to valuable time is saved both in the data processing system and in the connection network, which means you

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allows the use of both by other end-clauses, while a given end-clause is entirely dedicated to transmission an inquiry is being prepared «

The data processing system responds to a query message from an ignition charge to determine the status of the credit account affected by the request and for the transmission of an encrypted response on the account balance. The requesting end sentence decrypts the response and generates it based on the content Answer the correct visible signal for the procedure to be carried out by the operator.

Each end set comes with a timer to generate one Signal for clearing the end sentence and releasing its connection channel with the data processing machine for provide the case that there is no answer from the final sentence within a time interval from the transmission of the request is recorded. This way of working ensures that no end block blocks the data processing system and a connection channel for a non-existent response waiting. In addition, care is taken for the end set that it holds a connecting channel if different Requests are to be transmitted consecutively, which are only interrupted by the answers. The operator can do this on a very busy ending apply, d. H. In a final sentence on which a lot of credit transactions are to be carried out.

A printer in each end sentence responds to the manual entry of certain message data into memory, to simultaneously print certain characters to produce a printed record of the transaction set, v '/ enn the response from the data processing

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machine allowed to carry out the transaction, then a normally locked mechanism associated with the printing unit is unlocked so that manual operation the mechanism for printing a sales slip is possible. The printing unit contains facilities which are responsive to the return of the printing mechanism to a locking position to the connection channel to solve and thus to release the end sentence. If the end block is in the hold position, the However, the connection channel is not released, despite the fact that the printing mechanism is blocked.

Each end set also includes an authorization counter device, which advances by one unit for each authorized transaction to the relevant end record. In addition, a repayment counter is provided on the end record, which enables the operator to choose one of the Type of credit transaction to select the corresponding end record actuation.

The drawings show in

1 shows a block diagram for a credit account assignment system, in dem.der end sentence according to the present invention is used j

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the housing of a preferred embodiment of an end set with a printer and various control keys '-.- and switches ^

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the end sentence according to FIG. 2; FIG.

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FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a deselection device for the end sentence according to Figures 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of part of the decryption unit of Figure 4f

"■ ■■■,.; -. ·" ■: ■■■■■ ■■ '■■■'

6 is a front view of a typical receipt; on which the transaction data are imprinted by the end sentence according to FIGS. 2 and 3

7 is a partial side view, partially shown in dashed lines, of a locking switch for use in Final set printer;

8 shows a schematic representation of the content of a request, which is transmitted by a final sentence;

9 is a side view of an embodiment of a Slide switch and linkage for use in the end set of the invention; and in

10 shows a work plan of an end set according to the invention.

According to aFigur 1 contains a system for processing credit transactions a data processing system 10 in a central station. This data processing system contains an en. «Computer with a * memory of the appropriate capacity to store the credit account information that is required so that the data processing system can respond to inquiries regarding the status of a member's credit account can answer. The requests are sent to the data processing machine of final sentences 12, which are located at remote stations authorized to use this system, organizations

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belong, transferred. These remote stations can be in different Cities including · the same city arranged be in which the data processing system 10 is housed. Only the local facility in the City A is specifically in Pig. 1 reproduced, however it goes without saying that this system is typical of systems in city B, city G, and so on. At recording the data processing system checks a request from an end record 12 10 the account, which is the subject of the request, and sends a response to the requesting final sentence.

To connect the end sets 12 and the central data processing device An interconnection network 15 is used for 10. This interconnection network 15 preferably uses ordinary ones Telephone lines, some of which are for processing relatively slower data transfer speeds are used, while others do so serve to carry out the data transmission at relatively higher speeds. In particular allowed the transfer of data at lower speed from each end set connecting a group of 14 different Single Local Line Terminations 16. The low speed transmission of data over local lines 16 is still fast enough to the useless bending of a local line 16 by only a few end sets 12 of a group 14 intended for these lines to exclude. A monitoring end set 21 is each group 14 assigned and with the same switchboard 13 for coupled to the use of the same switching device.

The low-speed data on all local lines 16 in a given geographic area,

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in an entire city, for example, will eventually be used for transmission at a much higher data speed to a transfer line 18 to the central data processing system 10 summarized, d. H. operated in multiple circuits. In fact, each local line 16 operates as a Branch line for a feed line 18 which forms a collecting line. Summarizing the data from various local lines 16 on a collecting line in a communication network 15 is carried out by a data distribution system 20 in each geographic area. Each data distribution system 20 is also used to distribute High speed data from bus 18 to the corresponding local lines 16 in the opposite direction of transmission. The local lines 16 are connected to the data distribution system 20 connected by lines 19 from telephone poles 17. Of course, the connection system 15 also consist of underground lines instead of overhead lines or a combination of these two types of lines. In addition, the communication network also have microwave transmission channels along part of its routes. In particular, it is based on the use ordinary telephone lines because they are relatively readily available and inexpensive to borrow compared to other forms of transmission channels. Each data distribution system 20 is connected to the corresponding Collective line 18 via a line from a Telefonmalst 21a connected.

Each bus 18 serves multiple remote stations in a geographical area and is itself in turn a communication device 21 is connected via a line 23 from a telephone pole 22. The communication device 24 is used to forward high-level data

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Speed from the various manifolds to the central data processing system 10 and for distribution of the data at high speed from the data processing system to the corresponding collecting lines. Consequently can the communication system 24 very closely Data distribution system. 20 with regard to data replication and data distribution. In addition, the communication system can send and receive devices have that with the data processing system 10 related.

Further details of the system of FIG. 1 in addition to Details of the end sentence 12 do not need to be explained further as they are also not necessary for an understanding of the invention.

In this context, reference may be made to the USA filing dated March 11, 1970, running in parallel S.N, 18 665 (German parallel registration with the Attorney's file number "M 2857).

Figures 2 and 3 show the housing or the circuit !, an embodiment of an end set 12 according to the present invention. Such an end stat is preferably designed so that it can accept the credit card of an individual or an organization that is concerned with the particular credit troughing campaign. However, it should be pointed out that neither ^one is for the whole system in general or for the final set in particular necessary that during the transaction a "credit card is used. In the final sentence after the. Figures 2 and 3 are the name of the customer and his identification number, ie his account number, which is usually on a.

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Credit card stamped by a printing device printed on a receipt which is a record of the transaction. Becomes the final clause used for credit transactions involving credit cards are not required, then the printing device in the construction of the end sentence can of course omitted.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the housing 10 is a typical end sentence 12 with several keys and

Provided switches so that the operator can enter the data relating to the transaction in the end record for forwarding to the data processing system 10. A key mechanism 102 with ten keys from 0 to, 9 and two auxiliary keys "S" and ¹¹ R "is provided on the front surface 103 of the housing 100. The ten number keys can be arranged in a conventional manner so that they are easily accessible to the operator and can be easily used by him. For example, the buttons are arranged in the same order as the buttons on a normal telephone push-button dial, but the arrangement is openly white. The buttons on the keypad 103 are used by the operator to manually enter the buyer's account number into the Storage unit to be entered in the final sentence as part of the query.

On the front surface 103 of the housing 100, slide switches 105 are also provided, easily accessible to the operator. Is provided next to a series of digits each ^107% slide switch 105 can be moved in ückwärts its corresponding channel 106 to the front barren i £ '. The slide switches 105 are used to feed the purchase price in marks and pennies (dollars and cents) in a message

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format to be transmitted to the data processing machine. Furthermore, the slide switches 105 * are coupled to a set of wheels 115 which carry raised characters in units of the purchase price on the receipt printing area 126 of the end sentence. The slide or slide switches 105 are coupled to the raised number wheels 115 that they move these wheels into the printing position according to the purchase amount with the appropriate setting of the buttons of the switches 105.

Furthermore, a price / return (P / R) switch 120 is provided on the front surface 103 of the housing, which is used for Setting the end rate for the correct transaction is used, d. H. in the P position of switch 120 for one Purchase price transaction and in the R position of the switch for a withdrawal or return drink campaign. The desk 120 is normally locked in the B position to prevent unintentional authorization and recording prevent a repayment when a deposit transaction actually occurs and incorrect authorization to prevent repayment by the operator. The need for using a A key to operate the P / R switch is sufficient informative for the operator in order to prevent accidental errors or incorrect use. Nevertheless it may be desirable to equip only surveillance personnel with a key that can be used to operate the P / R switch can operate. Depending on the position of this Switch 'automatically becomes a corresponding character for a purchase transaction or a refund transaction entered into the message for forwarding from the end of the sentence.

A Normal / Halt {N / H) ~ Sehalter 122 is a two-position switch on the front surface 103 of the housing 100 and

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enables the operator to choose either normal operation or hold operation. In normal operation, the local line 16, which is through the end set 12 for the transmission a request to the central data processing machine has been requested, released by the final record immediately after receipt of the response from the data processing machine. In other words this means that the end sentence must "hang up" so that its connection to the local line 16 is interrupted, so that this Line becomes free for another use. This is usually done after two-way communication. In "hold" mode the connection with the local line 16 is maintained by the end set for further connection with the central data processing system as long as the The N / H switch of this end block is in the "hold" position. The "hold" mode is usually performed by the operator selected if several reports are consecutive to check the status of different .accounts with regard to Credit transactions for these accounts should be transferred. A characterizing the position of the N / H switch 122 Character is automatically fed into the message for the given transaction at the end of the sentence.

On the front surface 103 of the housing 100 sits a dated Operator easily observable set of lamps 12 5. The lamps are preferably colored differently and with corresponding characters on their corresponding Cap so that they can be distinguished when they light up. The lamps serve as leading indicators that inform the operator how with a given transaction to proceed. The content of a response in response to a query regarding the given Transaction determines which lamp 125 is energized and thus what procedure the operator is to perform.

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A credit card plate 128 and an identification plate 129 for the authorized user are within the Receipt printing area 126 of the housing 100 is provided. These two plates together with one form Stop 130 and two sets of raised characters bearing Baths 115,122 .a surface * over which the not Drawn roller of a printing device 131 is movable. The two sets of baths bearing lofty characters in the receipt printing area 126 are used to print the monetary value (dollar amount) or the date of the Transaction on the receipt * The raised characters on the sets of baths 115 »132 and on the plate as well as the embossed characters on a credit card on the plate 12δ are all in the plane of called surface and lie against the receipt in certain areas when the '. ¥ alze in the pressure area 131 is moved across the printing area · 126 * The printing device 131 is in its movement over the pressure area by guide wheels 136 on both sides of the housing limited. The guide wheels roll within profiles 137 in the housing near and on both sides of the printing area.

The printing device 131 has an associated latch, in order to prevent their movement from an initial position, in Fig. 2 the extreme left position of the printing area 126, if not, the answer to an implementation of the Transaction authorized «In the latter case, the printing device for. the hand movement by the operator Approved; When brought back to their original position is, / & st the printing device automatically again blocked. ".-! -; ■■;, ...; -.;.," - ■ .--. · '_; . - '

According to Fig. ? 3.i. Contains the · internal circuit of a typical End set-: 12.jetosnjlnnenspeicher 150. The internal storage

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is related to the actuation of the pushbuttons and switches by the operator for a given transaction input data to be saved is supplied. The storage capacity of the internal memory 150 should be so large that that all for a full request to the given Transaction required data can be saved « This required data includes some to that which is fed in manually by the operator permanently stored information. In particular contains

|) the permanently stored information character for designation the type and identity of the end sentence and the designation of the beginning and the end of this information. When the data pertaining to a particular transaction is fed into the internal memory 150, the Save a full request for this transaction, since the permanently stored characters in their respective places for continuous correct adjustment remain in each request. The operator then presses a send "S" key 152 on keypad 102 in preparation a transmission of the request to the central data processing system. When the transmit button 152 is actuated, the locking device 163 locks the slide switch

* 105 in their position to prevent movement of these switches during the actual transmission of this request. In addition to the excitation of the slide switch locking device, the actuation of the transmit button 152 leads to a signal to initiate the operation of an automatic dial 154. The dial 154 is used to set up a communication channel between the end set and the central data processing system, as required before the "request can be transmitted at all. This takes place when the correct local line 116 is seized by the end record,

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Each local line 16 contains a single "Telephone ^11" number for determining whether the line is working, ie is in use by another end record that has selected this local line, or is free. The "telephone" number of the corresponding . are "selected" local loop 16 by an automatic selector wheel after actuation of the PTT switch 152. the automatic selector 154 is responsive to actuation of the Send key, and transmits a series of pulses _correspond: accordingly the desired number on a telephone coupler 157 coupled to the local line 16 If the line 16 is free, the connection is made with the end set that dialed the number, and the line is then no longer available for other end sets until the calling end set has released the connection, i.e. "hung up". * has.

If the connection between the end sentence and the local line 16 is established, a carrier character is transmitted to the end sentence from the data processing system via this local line. The carrier character passes through coupler 157 and the modem 155 and is then checked by a carrier detection circuit 162 detected * The carrier detection circuit then provides a signal to an output line of a two-input TSD gate 165. The second input of the AND gate 165 is excited by a signal from the actuated transmit button 152. In fact, the transmit signal shows the termination of the input of data in memory 150 and the length of this. Signal should be long enough to be present when the carrier mark is established. Therefore, the input state of the AND gate 165 is so far satisfied, • that a "start" signal from the AND gate to a scanner 167 is forwarded. The scanning device

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is used to record the message data from the memory 150 activated in the requested request.

As a result, a request from an end sentence is only transmitted when the Bendesignais and the carrier symbol appear, and this is done after the data is perfect The operator entered the query by hand ^. Such a mode of action ensures that no part of the message due to partial transmission before establishing a connection with the central data processing system get lost. In addition, this operation also ensures that the switch-on time for the central data processing system for a given final clause is minimized because there is no manual input of the Data by the operator gives as long as the data processing system is turned on.

After determining the carrier character, the detector delivers 162 an excitation voltage to an "attentive" lamp 160 and also energizes an input line of an AND gate 165. The lighting up of the lamp 160 informs the End record operator that the local line 16 has addressed and that the request has been forwarded.

It may happen that one of the other end sets is using line 16 at the time when the number for this End set is chosen by the automatic selector 154. In this case a busy signal is generated and the connection is not established. The lack of the carrier mark at detector 162 prevents excitation of lamp 160, so that the operator is informed that the local line 16 is currently not available. The operator can then simply wait a few seconds and do the again

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Sendon button 152 heximte hats to make his compromise Manufacture of a V ^ rMtidühg with the central data processing system to repeateiu You have to determine the number of end sentences connected to a single local line and the average length of time for a single transaction consider sffi communication between a given end sentence and the central data processing system, before installing the system to make sure any given end sentence can be connected to its Örtsleitütig 16 within a few seconds. It is further on the fact that instead of an automatic voter 154 the end sentence can also have an associated telephone handset, not shown, through which the operator ■ \ rön hand can dial the number of the local management 116.

The information scanner 167 is connected to the internal memory 150 coupled to the stored data in a predetermined Fölgö in binary format to form the desired query to make available * This request is made by the scanning device via the modem 155 and into the local line 16 for transmission to the central data processing system via the communications network 15.

Operation with the scanner 167 assumes that the message information ^; is stored in the internal memory 150 iä parallel storage elements, land that the scanning device includes a commutator or equivalent device. If necessary, however, the internal memory 150 can also have a shift register into which the lileldiingsdaten are fed in special sections when the operator presses the corresponding keys and switches. In this case, an output from the AND gate 164 is used to start a shift

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drawn), which replaces the device 167 and for pushing out the contents of the memory 150 in biological order directly to the Modem serves ..

The output of the töfD gate 165 also provides a "start" signal for the clock 169 »The clock provides an output signal on the side of a predetermined time interval after the clock has started. When a "validity pre- ⁿ response from the end block 12 from the data processing system within that 'specific time interval is not included, the clock provides a signal to the OR gates 175 and 177. In response to an input signal on one of the corresponding input lines OR gate 175 generates an output for clearing memory 150 of any temporarily stored information and for releasing lock 173 to unlock all switches and pushbuttons controlled by that lock. OR gate 177 provides an output for releasing local line 16,

A "valid" response is any message sent by the End sentence as free of transmission errors on receipt is determined by the data processing machine. To determine the presence of an error in a response, the message can use a standard error key have, for which a suitable spring locking device is provided in the end sentence. A logical response decryption circuit 170 is used to determine such an error and to display it its presence in the answer, however, is not suitable to correct a mistake. The answer becomes a logical answer deciphering circuit; the carrier detection circuit 162 is supplied, Is the

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Answer valid, 'then creates the logical answer decoder a signal to switch off the clock 169 and to "hang up" the end sentence via the N / H switch 122 when it is in the "normal" position. -In addition, the response logic decryption circuit decrypts the message to stimulate an appropriate procedure Guide lamp 125 on the front board 103 of the housing 100 (Pig. 2).,

If the answer is not valid, the watch will complete it Time interval for sending an output signal to the OR gate 175 and thus for restoring the end block to the state that existed before the request data was fed in. The output signal that the clock will be also as a temporary "trigger" signal to another OR gate 177 given to the connection with the local line 16 "hang up". This prevents valuable wastage Communication network times. A mistake lamp is energized by the output of the clock 169 to inform the operator that the query must be re-entered into memory 150, and that also a communication channel with the central data processing system is to be restored if a further request with regard to the status of the for the Transaction responsible credit account is intended.

If a valid answer is found from the central Data processing system 10 decrypts the logical Reply to the generation message various visual displays for procedural information to the operator * The particular display depends on the status of the "account" and any restrictions in the account, tie them in the central data processing

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109840/1569.

management system are fed. In any case, the ad is by energizing an appropriate procedural guide lamp 125 ". If the content of the response denotes the Operator empowered to perform the operation, then the "Ou ± orization" indication is revealed by excitement an "OK" lamp 172. If the response disregards the execution of the transaction, then the operator is through a "non-authorizing 'sign, for example" by energizing a "NO" lamp 173. The latter

For example, k show appears where the credit request is at the central data processing system shows that the buyer is a bad credit risk, or that the identified account number belongs to a buyer who has lost his credit card, for example. if -the answer contains the information that the credit account the conduct of the transaction in question, the operator receives an appropriate indication by energizing a lamp $ 17! that carries a question mark. Such an ad appears, for example, when the size of a particular purchase exceeds the limit given to the buyer or if the balance due on the credit account is usually paid promptly, at the time of the request

) but is overdue. The monitoring end set 21 at the Revision station for the end sentence 12, which transmitted the request, can be requested if the "questionable" Ad appears to indicate the need for assistance at this end sentence. The logical answer decipherer 170 can also be used to energize the "mistake" lamp 174 in place of this lamp to be excited by the ühr 169. ,

In addition to special characters, each process guide lamp can also have a specific and different colors "-

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Lamps have a different color. This allows the operator to easily switch between the lamps and the individual process information to which they are assigned, the lamps. are two-dimensional in color, sp encoded that they are daily. Warn-r · signals correspond to, for example, the ⁿ OK "lamp 172 can be green, the error lamp 171 yellow or brown and the" Nq '^ lamp 173 be red "which are the usual meanings for" go "," caution *' , and "Stop" corresponds to what also occurs in the daily situation. The remaining lamps' ^ "- lamp 174 and switch-on lamp 160 can be blue and white, respectively. Of course, however, other colors can be used for the lamps 125 if so desired. The most important consideration is the presence of a set of visual display devices on the sentence in the full field of vision of the operator, so that the operator is informed about the establishment of a connection with the central data processing system and can then carry out the procedure with regard to the transaction on which the originating request is based * ■ ■ "'■ -

The logical answer decoding circuit 1? Ö can accordingly 4, while the logical process decoder circuit I85 of the circuit according to FIG. can correspond.

The response bot Qhaft is first checked in a validity detector I80 to determine whether the response ·? is valid in terms of the bot. The Gültigkeitsdet ^ ctor can this Fest§tel ^lun acid "beisplßlswöis.e thereby meeting that he checks a odgr more parity in the response message. If the message is valid, is caused by the

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Circle contains four mjMtore -1BS, tSj, _1SS u # ä 189 mi $ each three J3ßgßngs &% eimien and Seiialtüog zur PapailelaiLafjialime iron three bits. The toiwertbotseiiaft but two? Arensinfpriiiatiorisbits B ^ and Bp to deduce, usiöen of the yier possible outputs from the logisjien answer detachment circle 170 to ßeiiaffejien, these two bits are necessary to be given four éd'ai-terreed to be given to the binary The third input f is the previously completed Bipiorfliationsiiapiuls, the # ρρίϊΙι dpa CMi | l * igii: eitpdetefctor I60 nmr #enn 'tsAgBiMlyM §me valid message

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Each AND gate 186, 187, 1-88 undΊ89 thus receives a valid T and two Botschaftsbits BV and Bg * The AND gates are arranged in the usual ^r Entschlusslerkreisform, to provide a potential of four outputs, depending on which of the four There are combinations of the two message bits in the response. In some of the input lines in the AND gates, inverters 190 are provided which take care of the "O" bits. One and only one AND gate can be energized on all four input lines at any given time. The output lead of each port is connected to a corresponding process indicator lamp 125 to provide an excitation voltage to the corresponding lamp.

After Pig. 3 becomes that of the logical response decoder circuit 170 for 'the procedure indicator lamps 171, 173 and 174 generated excitation voltage is also fed in parallel to an assigned input line of an OR gate 175. As previously described, the presence of a voltage on any of the input lines causes the OR gate an output voltage which generates the internal storage 150 cleared of all temporary dates and all The switch is unlocked by the slide switch lock 163 has been blocked and. The remaining input lines of the 0R gate 175 are correspondingly to the At the end of the clock. 169, as already explained, attached tfe'ty- and a reset switch 165 as well as a trigger lock switch 166.

The excitation voltage applied to the "ÖKüLampe 172" by the logical response decoder circuit 170 is also applied to the pressure lock switch 166 and to the authorization counter 133 in parallel. ■■■ '*' ^: - "-''- ^: ■ ■ - '■ *'' ^v '

103840/1589

- 26 -

Thus, if the response message authorizes the execution of the transaction, the "OK" lamp 172 is lit to inform the end-sentence operator, and at the same time the "OK" lamp is energized, the authorization counter 133 "increments before and the printing mechanism 131 is released from its "home" position. The printing mechanism can then be manually swept across the receipt printing area 126 (FIG. 2) to make a record of the transaction being performed. In view of the fact that when a transaction is authorized to carry out the credit account is automatically updated, such a record need not be provided for memory unless a copy is desired as a means of verifying the transaction Central Station Account Record “Usually, however, the buyer will generally. provided with a receipt for his icy records.

A typical embodiment of a receipt which record of the credit transaction has been printed by end sentence 12 can be omitted Refer to Fig. 6. A note 200 with free trees in which the corresponding information is printed, is inserted into the DC back area 126 so that it is about the buyer's credit card and the various Laying panels and signs bearing baths. When the printing device 131 is moved over the slip, Pressure against all embossed and raised parts below exercised on the slip, so that a corresponding visible impression arises on the note. In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the impression contains the name of the buyer and the credit account number in room 202 and

1 098 40/1589. " ^2? "

-a?

& m M & m S03f «las üatum-204-uad. the gummi dee purchase

Wm Αϋαο & αβκ 4βθ '^ edrmaktea VerlcRäfeaeti! «I from the ~ XfraefctooFeiek 126 dea Biägatses, the operator can initiate the authorization tftunsmep -% Q $ of the iraiis action, as well as the identity uM this loit ^ ftti?" 4 «

lafoxwatlQiten «must be done beforehand ^ B © r lett ^ X will begin with the buyer

r Mn ie S

Note around a f

Purchase tr ι during the res £ LioJx © n iiopien iiB

the prußkvprrißhtung 131 must be put back, that is, to record the transaction in the initial position ζ . One recognizes from J ¹ Ig, '3 _t that the excitation of the "QK" ^ lamp 172 is not ν Qn which erroneously an inputtingifitung "Qil-rriprep 17§ bt slips, as m with the excitation of the lamps 171 _f 173 wad 174 der Fall "igt" Baher there is no automatic? Imac! Hen les l ^ nenspeiphers and Xipsen of all

linii · fagtfn * One küjn ■ arrives

and SetoAl-ireF freiig-eniaeh.t sinä .. ^ i ^ .f #iep ζ purpose · 1st dpr BrgL ^ ksperrsefeal'tsf. % §§ Pö

A suitable embodiment of a printer lockout switch 166 is shown in FIG. A solenoid 220 is on consoles, not shown, within the housing 100 mounted under one side of the printing device 131. An armature 221 protrudes from the coil housing of the solenoid 220 in front and is pivotable at one end 223 at a Trap, for example attached to a hook 225. The trap 225 is also pivotable on a fixed one Bracket 228 attached to the top plate of the Housing 100 is mounted.

If the solenoid is not energized then that is normally protruding length of the anchor 221 such that the latch 285 hooks over a lip 230 of the pressure device 131. This prevents the printing device from moving to the right according to FIGS. 2 and 7 from the starting position. When the solenoid is energized, by a signal from response logic decoder 170 responsive to the Solenoid coil has entered, then the armature 221 is in the Solenoid housing withdrawn. So that the trap 225 pivots clockwise about its pivot point with the Console 228, releasing it from lip 230 and releasing the pressure device.

On an arm 235 is a spring-loaded microswitch 233 mounted, which exerts a pressure against the pressure device. When the lock switch 166 is in the release position is actuated, the pressure device is thus released from the starting position, whereby a new catch prevented by the trap 225 after the final energization of the solenoid. The microswitch 233 ist.relativ to Printing device 131 mounted so that a surface the pressure device against an operating button

109840/1569 - 29 -

of the microswitch applies when the device is in the starting position. The micro switch is on a one-time switch, because it has one and only one output pulse every time you press the button * When thus the printing device is in the starting position returns, the microswitch "is actuated, and generates a pulse which arrives at the OR gate 175 (Fig. 3). /

The existence of a construction and an operation that permits a hand movement of the printing device 1-31 Make necessary have various advantages over an automatic actuation of the • Druckvorriehtuiigi. First, the transaction record is not completed until the operator gives the buyer's credit card on disk 128 in case a credit card is needed for the transaction, and dials 132 and the authorization counter device 133 operates because the movement of the printing device is controlled by the operator will. If an automatic movement were provided and the credit card is not sitting on the plate 128, then the printing device would still go through his Duty cycle running. On the other hand, there is manual operation the operator a possibility of an assistance for the To request monitoring if this should be necessary, namely before resetting the end block in a fully released state. Third, requires manual operation of the printing device is not cumbersome Motor and no linkage within the housing of the end set, as is otherwise essential for automatic actuation is. In addition, the locking of the pressure device when returning to its starting position ensures that that the printing device cannot be used to print a sales slip unless the. Author-

109840/1569 - 30 -

sizing in a reply message to carry out a Transaction is available »

According to Fig. 3 is the only remaining input line of the © R gate 175 switched on to the reset button 165, those on the touch panel 102 of the housing 100, for the operator easily accessible, sits. When the reset button is pressed, it energizes that input line, causing the OR gates 175 and 177 free the memory, unlock the switch and release the local line in the manner previously described. The manual reset takes place at any time prior to the initiation of the broadcast sequence, 'd. h, at any point in time before pressing a Send button. 152, which the local line 16 uses. The carrier identification group then replies 162 to the mostly sudden picking up of a carrier tone from the central station for the delivery of an excitation signal to the prevention circuit 178 in the reset signal path. As a result, the reset button 165 can no longer are used to initiate the aforementioned punctures, until the carrier tone stops. This arrangement ensures that the operator will press the sequence down the reset button after a connection line with the data processing system has been established interrupts.

When the N / H switch 122 is in the "normal" position, As can be seen from Pig, 3, the end sentence releases the "connection" with the local line 16 via the coupler 157 » when the response logic deciphering circuit 170 produces an output. This is done by connecting the Output line of circuit 170 to an input line of OR gate 177. This OR gate provides a "hang up" -

1098 40/1669 - 31 -

Signal to the telephone coupler 157 "if one or multiple inputs are energized. In addition, the OR gate picks up on input from the response decoder logical circuit 177 Bingang from a "failure of the questioner" (i.e. lack of of a carrier tone) output line of the locking circuit 162, from the clock 169 and from the backward key 165. The "hang up" signal of the ÖR gate 177 or one of them TDeI of the release of the local line 16 derived signal is sent through connector 124 to the central station scanned to "hang up" at this end. First if both ends of this connection channel are released, the channel itself is fully released.

A typical format for a query from a final clause 12 is given in FIG. 8. A total of 29 labels appear in the request, as can be seen from the examples Fig. 8 results. Identifies the first flag in the message the beginning of the message and is in an appropriate form to clearly identify the source of the message as a unit identify who is authorized to use the system too work. The purpose of. The use of such a uniform beginning identifier is the exclusion of use of the system by an unauthorized facility. It is for example possible * that a! formaltelegraph access to a local line through an over-dial connection or incorrect Has peeling. Since an unauthorized writer cannot generate the unique initial identifier, however, the message transmitted by it is received from the central Data processing system ignored. If necessary, the central data processing system can also be supplemented in this way be that it senses the occurrence of an incorrect initial identifier and then a suitable signal generated to do one at the central data processing

109 8 40 / T & 6 9

Inform employees of the location on the local line where this message appeared. Then you can take appropriate measures to remedy the faulty plant off from the system.

The second identifier in the request identifies the type of end-sentence from which the message was transmitted, if different types of end-sentences are used in the system. The system can, for example, be supplemented to the effect that it basically works as a credit account maintenance system, as described here, but can also be used as a fire or burglar alarm system. This means that the central data processing system must be supplemented or programmed in order to detect the particular type of end sentence from which the message comes and, for example, to generate an alarm signal at the central station on the basis of a transmission of this type of end sentence, which itself again provides information about the alarm status.

Identify the message flags 3 through 8 inclusive the number of the final sentence. Each end sentence has a specific and different identification number, the to distinguish it from other final clauses.

Each of the previously described mileage indicators is permanently stored in the internal memory fO because the identification of the beginning of a message, the end type and the end sentence identification number always remain fixed regardless of the particular transaction. The last identifier in the request that identifies the end of the request (EOM) is also fixed and therefore permanently stored in the memory. The remaining message identifiers can be from

- 33 -109840/1569

211179T

Transaction to transaction · change and will therefore into temporary storage in memory 150 by the Operator entered. ,

Specifically, the 9th through the 15th mark identify, including the dollar or DM amount of the purchase. These characteristics are entered by appropriately setting the slide switch 105 on the front panel of the end set housing 100 (FIG. 2). The slide switches are also connected to the. Set of print wheels 115 in the sales slip print area 126 connected. A suitable embodiment of such a slide switch and dej * connection for performing this double function will be explained in more detail below. _: ,

The message identifiers 16 to 25 inclusive are entered by the finger keys on the keypad 102, to identify the credit account identification number. This is the same as the credit card number if the Credit organization (e.g. American Express, Master Charge, etc.) Credit cards to identify the Use members. One or two of these indicators can also be used to identify the particular credit organization use to the. owned by the customer (for example, AX for American Express, MO for Master Charge, etc.).

The 26 and 27 marks are used to identify the sale / repayment and the liormal / stop identification. These Both license plates are automatically used for a special one Transaction in accordance with the positions of the Switches 120 or 122 near the keypad 102 entered on the front panel 103 *

The 28th indicator in the message immediately before the EOM ^ mark is a test mark, which use

10 984 0/1569 _ 34 _

occurs as part of an error detection code. The test code is determined by counting the number of binary ' ¹ I ¹ S "(or alternatively the number of binary" O ¹ S'?) In the previous 27 codes of the message and identifies the total number. This is done by a test code counter 193 (Pig 3)> which is responsive to the message flag bits coming from the scanner 167 to. to count the "l's" in it and to supply the total number as an input to the scanner for the entry into the location of the 28th code number. When the query is recorded on the data processing ^{machine, the "!» S 1} · .in: the first 27 codes are counted again and the total number must match the check code. In the other 2, an error is displayed.

The error identifier code may also contain a parity bit which accompanies each identifier and indicates whether the binary code for that identifier has an even number of "l's' ¹ (including none), or an odd" number * For example, the parity bit is * ^r Q ^{l }} for an even number, and ^M l "for an odd number» This can be fed into any tag by a known parity bit generator.

The table below contains an example of a valid binary code and suitable parity bit for each identifier in a request except for the test identifier. The test code always has a number, it depends on the binary composition of the previous code ίή of the MeIdUDg. Obviously, a minimum of four binary bits is both necessary and sufficient for the identification of 16 different and different, characteristics that are used in this example for a. Can use on request.

109840/1568

Table 1

Mark parity Binary code ο ■: .0 0000 1 1 . 0001 2 1 « ^R 0010 3 1 0100 ■ 4 o ^c 1001 ■ 5 0 0011 6th 0 0110 7th 1 ■ 1101 8th 0 1010 9- Ö 0101 End of the message 1 ' 1011 Beginning of leldg « . -. i 0111 purchase 0 1111 repayment 1 .1110 Keep O 1100 normal 1 1000

You can see from the table that the code for the license plate 0-9 is not a standard code. However, any suitable digital code can be used. The reason for the preferred Using the code of Table 1 is the ease of construction of the slide switches 105 and their corresponding linkages for compliance with this code compared to, for example, the American Standard code for information exchange (ASCII). To. 9 contains that associated with each slide switch 105 Linkage a rack 108 with a number of

Projections 110 equally spaced at one end of the rack. These projections mesh with the teeth 111 of a gear 112 which is rotatably mounted on a concentric print wheel 115 of the set of dollar (mark) amount wheels in the sales slip printing area. As a result, when the switch 105 in its corresponding slot 106 is moved for adjustment adjacent a selected digit in the adjacent column 107 (FIG. 2), the wheel 116 is rotated through W an appropriate angle to set the same raised digit in the print position .

The rack 108 also has several slots 116 between projecting elements 117 which are not evenly spaced. A reading head 118 has equally spaced sensing elements 119 and is fixedly arranged relative to the movable slide switch 105. When the slide switch is on the Digit “0” is set in column 107, then the feeler elements 119 of the reading head 118 are located not in contact with any protruding element 117 on the rack 108. Thus, none of the four Output bit lines, which are assigned to the corresponding probe elements 119, have an output. This corresponds to that Status 0000 as binary encryption for the decimal digit 0 in the table above. The slots 116 ' are cut into the rack 108 so that the protruding elements 117 with the probe elements 119 in accordance with the rest of the binary code for the Indicator 0-9 ίκ come into contact. So if the '. Slide switch moved to a digit in column 107 is, the protruding elements 117 touch the probe elements 119 to generate the binary code for them

• - 37 -

109840/1569

Digit on the four output bit lines. These lines are at suitable storage locations in internal memory 150 connected. .

The actuation of the end sentence in the overall system is undoubtedly evident from the preceding description. However $ to a brief description of the process are given in the final set 12 for a transaction to complete. Reference is made in particular to the illustration according to FIG. The buyer initiates the transaction by showing the proposed purchase and his credit card to the operator at the end of the sentence. The operator places the credit card on the plate 128 and sets all the switches and keys of the end record in such a way that the data relating to the transaction are entered into the internal memory 150. The operator then presses the transmit button to operate the automatic dialer and thus to request the local line 16, provided that this line is not busy. If the line is busy, the lamp 16 does not light up and the operator must repeat the attempt to select the local line. If there is no response to repeated attempts, a line fault is displayed. When the local line is finally switched on, a connection channel is created with the central data processing system, as indicated by the lighting up of the lamp 16. The request is automatically transmitted to the "data processing system" when the transmission signal and the recorded carrier tone occur.

Essentially at the same instant that the data are retrieved in the memory 150, the clock 169 starts. If the data processing system receives a response within

- 38 109840/156 9

21117191

half of the time interval set by the clock .169 received, it will be valid for stopping the clock checked. On the other hand, the watch energizes the error lamp 1? 1. The answer is deciphered to excitement the appropriate procedural guide lamps. If an authorization is displayed, the printing device is released, to enable hand printing of a sales slip. If any procedural light comes on, the end sentence is automatically attached.

It can be seen that the end sentence of the present invention in no way relates to use in a system where credit transactions are investigated. Rather, it can be the same or essentially one similar end-sentence also in every data communication system used where the retrieval of data stored in a central station upon request from a I'm at the internship.

As a result, only one particular preferred embodiment has become of the invention described above, and it is understood that changes and modifications of the invention, which are self-evident to the person skilled in the art, within the scope of the present disclosure lie.

The one in Pig. The subject of the invention reproduced is also in the ^; US application SN 20 648 of March 18, 1970, running in parallel.

Claims;

109840/1569

Claims (3)

-.39 - Paten t a η s ρ r ü e h e: (Jy Bndsatz for use in a remote station of a Data transmission system with a central station with a data processing system for retrieval of data from storage and for making encrypted Messages from the retrieved data, g e ic e η η ζ e i c h η e t through a memory to store the data, Facilities for feeding the data into the memory refer to a record stored at the central station in accordance with any preceding Occurrence; means of retrieval effective when activated of the contents of the memory in the form of an encrypted Question relating to the status of the recording for transmission to the data processing system in the central station; Means for optional interrogation of a transmission channel to the central station for transmitting the question to the data processing system and for receiving an answer to the question of the data processing system on this transmission channel; display devices responsive to the content of the response to visually convey the information regarding the status of the recording at the end of the sentence; and through - on the establishment of a transmission channel to the central station only appealing for this selected acquisition Means for activating the interrogation device for Transmission of the inquiry message. - 40 109840/1569 2. End sentence according to spoke 1, characterized by the lack of reception of a response to the sentence within a predetermined time interval beginning with the transmission of the request responsive devices for clearing the transmission channel. 3. End sentence according to claim 1, characterized by Means for initiating a period of time upon transmission of a request; Means responsive to the end of the time period for generating a lack of transmission between the data processing system and the signal indicating the end of the sentence; and through on the 'inclusion of a.' Reply at the end station · responsive Devices for the final activation of the devices determining the time period. 4. End sentence according to claim 1, characterized by further responsive to the content of a response Facilities for the optional generation of a printout at the end of the sentence with regard to the status of the award, for which the answer had been formulated. 5. End sentence according to claim 4 »characterized by g e k e η · η that the printout device is normally inoperative, and further characterized by on only the content of the answer for a predetermined Approved condition of the recording, facilities for enabling the printing device for optionally generating a printout of this assumed state. 109840/1569 " ⁴¹ " ■ ? T11791 6. End sentence according to claim 1, characterized. g e. ke η η ζ eic * h net that the display device contains . a doctrine of lamps that turn on when they light up indicate specific and different state of the record that is the subject of the response and through Facilities for deciphering the response to arousal the corresponding lamp from the large number of lamps. 7. End sentence according to claim. 1, marked by at the conclusion of a response from the data processing system appealing facilities for releasing the transmission channel on this end sentence. 8. End sentence according to claim 7, g e k e η η ze i c h η et . by means of optional overflowing these normal release facilities for recovery of the transmission channel beyond the end of a response message. 9. End sentence according to claim 1, characterized through display devices responding to the establishment of a transmission channel with the central station, that the data processing system is switched on. 10. Portable end set for data communication with a Data storage and processing station essentially according to the principle of claims 1 to 9, marked e i c h η et through. Devices for feeding in data at the end of the sentence to form a request for querying other data from the data storage and processing station; facilities that respond to the data entered - 42 10 9 8 4 0/1569 Storage of the same prior to the transmission of the request to the data storage and processing station f Devices for the optional initiation of the establishment of a connection path with the data storage and -Processing station before the transmission of the request, · and through responsive to the establishment of a connection path during the optional initiation of this manufacture Equipment for transferring the data to the storage system as a request « 11. System for querying the status of credit accounts data stored at a central station by requesting the desired data in the form of a response in response to a request relating to a special credit account, marked with an end sentence a remote station outside the central station to transmit the inquiries and to receive the responses, where the end station is up Means for storing the desired information in a request; Equipment for the manual supply of this information in a memory in accordance with a credit transaction with respect to one of the credit accounts the remote station; Devices for signaling the termination of the feed the information in memory for a particular transaction; and the availability of a communication path for transmission facilities responding to inquiries and recording responses between the remote station and the central station, at the same time as indicating that the information has been fed into the storage device, ■ ■ '- _ 43 - 109840/1569 to transfer the stored in the Speiehervörrlehtung Information as a request via the communication path. 12. Device according to claim 11, g eke η η ζ e i c h η e t by several display devices for displaying different ones and various methods of handling a credit -transaction; and through ; to the answer to a query regarding a with the Transaction-related credit account appealing devices for energizing one of the display devices and thus to determine the correct procedural step based on the status of the account. -1.3. Device according to Claim 11, characterized by devices responding to the response to switch off the communication path at the end sentence, 14 · Device according to claim 13 ». marked t by means for optionally feeding in a request and instruction to hold the communication path regardless of the receipt of a response the final clause. 15. Device according to claim 11, characterized by a timer for generating a signal when a predetermined time has elapsed without a response at the end station upon request. - 16 »Device according to claim 15» marked by means responsive to receipt of a response by the final sentence during the time interval for Switching off the timer. - 44 -. 10 9 8 4 0/1569 3111791 17 * Device according to claim 11, characterized by a printing device and by .eine Answer that the implementation of the loan transaction allows appealing devices to operate a printing device to record the transaction * 18, Device according to claim 11, characterized by the manual feed of at least some information in the memory device responsive means, for feeding the same infor- mation w in the printing apparatus as a part of the recording the transaction. 19 *. Device according to claim 11, characterized by a responsive to the establishment of a communication path between the sentence and the central station Lamp for visual indication of production * • 20 * device according to claim 11, characterized by an entity responsive to any authoritative response to conduct a credit transaction to count "the authorized transactions. 109840/1569 Lee rs e Lt e